Speak 5 languages fluently

While I wouldn’t dream of claiming to speak French fluently, I do at least have basic French mostly under my belt—and I have the effin’ credit hours to prove it. Unfortunately, the books used for my FRH 114 course and my FRH 115 course were different. Very different. Both authors used differing styles and introduced material in different sections. I officially have something of a gap in my tense work.

I am going to take a break from French for Irish (still not Gaelic – because that’s the family of languages that Irish falls into – still definitely Irish). For the time, I am all Frenched out.

I think I’ve decided on a number five language (assuming English doesn’t count): Dutch.

I know a few phrases in Dutch right now. My great grandparents met in Amsterdam and eventually settled in Western Michigan (where there is a large Dutch community in the Grand Rapids/Holland area). When I was growing up, my grandmother frequently used some Dutch phrases. Generally, she used them when she gave us a reason for ordering us around. ‘Jonge benen’ was her favourite reason (young legs).

Anyway, the list is now:

1. Irish
2. French
3. Latin
4. Romanian
5. Dutch

In order to truly appreciate, understand, and feel a language, thus becoming fluent in it, one has to devote a great amount of time to the pursuit of lingual knowledge. Because humans live for such a short time, it is generally accepted the magic number of languages one can be truly fluent in (while not having a life exclusively devoted to understanding languages) is approximately five. Based on that notion, I’ve picked the five languages I want to know. Fortunately, some of them are cheaters, which will allow me to at least converse with people having similar languages.

1. Irish
2. French
3. Latin
4. Romanian

I’m leaving the fifth slot open. I have no idea if my native tongue, English, counts or not. I sort of hope it doesn’t, I’m sure there’s another language I would love to learn fluency in.

As of now my understanding of Irish is just beginning. I really like it so far. Additionally, what little I’ve worked on is really helping me perfect my accent. Of course, there are so many variations in Irish accents from county to county, but the base one is getting better. That’s something.

French: I’ve actually had some formal education with this one. I’m far from fluent, but I have a basic understanding.

Learning Latin is something I think most historians aspire to. Actually, considering my specialisations (Irish history and general British History), Latin, French, and Irish would all benefit me quite a bit.

Finally… There’s Romanian. That one is just for fun: completely and purely. Though, I will admit to having some fascination with Romanian history and culture.